At A Glance: Landscape Materials

1001-Woodward-building.jpg
A multi-story building downtown at 1001 Woodward had an entry plaza that I would call chilly and uninviting.  Bedrock Realty, the new owner, has an idea to warm things up.  Kelly Deines of Rossetti Architects asked if I could put together a landscape that would include 2 pair of our espaliered arbors.  We were happy to oblige.  The livestock tanks-courtesy of our local farm store.  The steel arbors-courtesy of Buck and his group at Branch.

espalier-pear-arbor.jpg
Espaliered pear arbor

espaliered-pear-arbor.jpgOwen was one of a crew of 7 that helped plant those trees.

artificial-turf.jpgArtificial turf

arbors-and-stock-tanks.jpgSteel forms for the espaliers

planting.jpgcosmos and pennisetum under planting the espaliers

1001 Woodward 2013 (43)finished planting

planted.jpgartificial turf bands on the stock tanks

turf-band.jpgartificial turf secured with hot pink zip ties

trimming-the-turf.jpgtrimming the turf square and true

furniture.jpgurethane furniture specified and installed by Rossetti Architects

downtown.jpgpeople in the space

landscape-materials.jpgThe linden trees in a granite planter box were underplanted with creeping jenny.  Espaliered trees, artificial turf, pink zip ties, galvanized metal livestock watering tanks, cosmos, little bunny pennisetum, molded urethane French style arm chairs and creeping jenny and a plaza typical of a vintage urban skyscraper-landscape materials that came together to create a place for people to congregate outdoors.

 

Comments

  1. Incredible!! Have to take a trip downtown to see this “artsy-fartsy” gathering place.

  2. nella davis ray says

    Love the idea of using a livestock tank. I have an area alone a fenceline where I don’t want to fight with tree roots. Would I need drill holes in the bottom of the tank? Would perennials survive the winter in a tank?

  3. This is fabulous. I love seeing the details unfold with each passing picture. The steel gray, then green, then hot pick followed by that furniture. You are lucky to work with such bold, brave clients and they are lucky to have found you and your great design firm.

    • Deborah Silver says

      MaryBeth, as I wrote Silvia, Kelly Deines from Rossetti Architects did all of the conceptual work, and then let me go with it. The client is an innovative client, yes. Thanks, Deborah

  4. How creative! I wouldn’t have thought of the artificial turf, but it does pull the whole space together. Did you glue it down somehow?

    • Deborah Silver says

      Wendy, This particular turf is very thin, and the backing is constructed such that the turf lays very flat.This piece is very large-over 50 feet long by 14 1/2 feet wide. Deborah

  5. Silvia Weber says

    Dear Deborah, your install-daring, creative and chic- love it!! Very creative use of astro turf – a big green rug. Cosmos with Little Bunny- an intriguing combo for the under planting – so perfect. The urethane furniture is to die for. Will the espilared trees winter over OK in those metal tubs?
    Next trip to Detroit must include a stop at this urban plaza-so well done, indeed!

    • Deborah Silver says

      Silvia, Kelly from Rossetti’s did all the daring work with the client-he is great. The espalier trees will have to come out and be stored over the winter. Luckily the arbor will stay, as part of a winter display. Thanks, Deborah

  6. Vanessa Gardner Nagel, APLD says

    Deborah, once again your team plays nice with other teams. Brilliant and such fun!

  7. What a cool project to be involved in. I guess the next transition is winter, does it get changed out often or just the big seasonal changes?

  8. *wolf whistles* Yum the hottie with the tree. Nice work, Deborah. ;D

  9. Beautiful! Very inviting now!

  10. Fabulous.

    How is the ‘lawn’ tacked down? Is it staying down at the edges?

    No, it’s better than fabulous. You go girl…and team.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

  11. I really like your style. I stumbled on your site because I was searching for a shrub that someone had listed in a seed exchange. I’m so glad I found your site. Thanks so much for your beauty!

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